The Unha-3 is the backup rocket of the 2009 Unha-2 launch and the previous red "Choson" paint was covered by the blue "Unha-3" letters.

North Korea has spent the last three years developing the Earth Observation satellite Kwangmyongsong-3 with 100 meters ground resolution.The Korean Space and Space Technology Committee, which has been out of the question, is expected to make technological progress to reduce the resolution from 100 m to 30 m in the next few years.

Fridays have been considered an unlucky day since the medieval times.In Britain, Friday was the conventional day for public hangings, and there were supposedly 13 steps leading up to the noose!Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit on a Friday and later died on a Friday.Christians consider Friday as the day on which Christ was crucified by the Romans.

Tarot Card number 13 is the Death Card, depicting the Grim ReaperHotels rarely have a room number 13There are 13 steps leading to the gallows.13 knots in a hangman's noose.13 feet which the guillotine blade falls.

Commentary

The decision to proceed with the launch on Friday 13 was a big tactical mistake, provided Kim Jong Un is an overseas student returnee from the West and could't ignore the sinister meaning of the unlucky number 13!

In Sohae SLC, Unha LV are launched with low humidity and low wind speed to avoid the danger of malfunction due to the generation of static electricity in various electronic devices installed in the propulsion module.

All satellites are launched when the sky is sunny. Therefore satellites can receive the maximum amount of solar energy. If the satellite that entered the earth's orbit is flying in the shadow of the earth and can not receive solar energy, it will consume too much electricity of its onboard battery and shorten its service life.

Pyongyang, April 13 (KCNA) -- The DPRK launched its first application satellite Kwangmyongsong-3 at the Sohae Satellite Launching Station in Cholsan County, North Phyongan Province at 07:38:55 a.m. on Friday.

The earth observation satellite failed to enter its preset orbit.

Scientists, technicians and experts are now looking into the cause of the failure.

Kim Min Seok of the South Korean Ministry of National Defense said to reporters, that the Unha-3, which was launched at 7:38:55 am, separated its first stage at 70.5 km after about 135 seconds (2 minutes 15 seconds) from the launch time. After about 241 seconds (4 minutes and 1 second), it rose to 151.4 km altitude. After about 527 seconds (8 minutes 47 seconds) from the launching time, the emergency self-destruct device was activated and it has fallen.The launching time of the first stage propulsion unit of the Unha-2, which North Korea launched on April 5, 2009, was 120 seconds, and the first stage propulsion combustion time of the Unha-3 was about 135 seconds. Comparing the burning time of the first stage rockets, the Unha-3 was longer than the Unha-2 by about 15 seconds. Note that the Unha-3 successfully separated the first stage about 135 seconds from the launch time.

Pyongyang, December 1 (KCNA) -- A spokesman for the Korean Committee for Space Technology issued the following statement Saturday:

The DPRK plans to launch another working satellite, second version of Kwangmyongsong-3, manufactured by its own efforts and with its own technology

Scientists and technicians of the DPRK analyzed the mistakes that were made during the previous April launch and deepened the work of improving the reliability and precision of the satellite and carrier rocket, thereby rounding off the preparations for launch.

The polar-orbiting earth observation satellite will blast off southward from the Sohae Space Center in Cholsan County, North Phyongan Province by carrier rocket Unha-3 in the period between December 10 and 22.

A safe flight path has been chosen so that parts of the carrier rocket that might fall during the launch process would not affect neighboring countries.

https://www.lizard-t.../20121210_3.jpghttp://www.lizard-ta...te=20121210#p08▲ The orange line represents an orbital inclination angle of 97.4 degrees, that is, the ideal orbit for the North Korean satellite. And the red line is the launch azimuth at this time. If you want to get in the ideal trajectory, you have compensate this difference. When the launch azimuth angle is set to 97.4 degrees, the flight path will enter the high population density coastal areas in China.So dropping things here will not be fancy.If the currently issued NOTAM is correct, then there is only one method.It is to bend the flight path to the west side after the third stage ignition.This is a flight path known as the dog leg, which is also used when launching from Japan to the sun synchronous orbit. However, in order to do this dog leg, we have to make very accurate guidance and we need considerable leeway capacity. At the moment we do not know whether they can make a detailed guidance so far with the first launch, and whether the launcher has that capacity or not.

Pyongyang, December 10 (KCNA) -- The spokesman for the Korean Committee of Space Technology Monday released the following statement:

As already reported, scientists and technicians of the DPRK are pushing forward the preparations for the launch of the second version of Kwangmyongsong-3, a scientific and technological satellite, at a final phase.

They, however, found technical deficiency in the first-stage control engine module of the rocket carrying the satellite and decided to extend the satellite launch period up to Dec. 29.

Supreme commander of the Korean People's Army, gave a final written order regarding the launch of the second version of Kwangmyongsong-3 to the Korean Committee of Space Technology at 8 a.m. on December 12, 2012.

He visited the General Satellite Control and Command Center at 9 a.m., one hour before the launch.

Kim Jong Un learned about the preparations for the launch and issued an order on the launch and keenly observed the whole processes of the launch.

Kim Jong Un expressed great satisfaction over the successful launch of the satellite.

First March 27, 2013 ground pictures of the Kwangmyongsong-3#2 satellite confirmes successful unfolding of the two solar side-panels, and their correct orientation away from the Earth surface, toward the Sun, thus revealing the underneath yellowish-gold color multi-layer insulation.

The wireless communication equipment aboard Kwangmyongsong-3 sends out the wireless signal only for a short time window when in range with ground stations over North Korea.A third party who does not know the frequency of the radio signal that the satellite is transmitting will not be able to intercept the radio signal originating from that satellite at any particular time.

Kwangmyongsong-3 and Kwangmyongsong-4 are largely used as reconnaissance satellites.

The Earth observing satellite of North Korea passes through the East Sea four times a day, passing through the East Sea once in about 3 hours, because it alternates between Kwangmyongsong-3 and Kwangmyongsong-4.

Surveilling the Korea Operational Zone and the Japanese Oki Islands (隱岐岛), it monitors the appearance of the US aircraft carrier group.

Part of the planned future integrated Command and Control system (C4ISR) of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army, which will combine a 1,300 km detection Over-the-horizon radar, a global satellite reconnaissance system, the [Panghyon-5: 방현-5, AntiReflection-5] stealth unmanned strategic reconnaissance system, and the Hwasong-XX ASBM high-precision ballistic missile complex.

Ongoing modifications to the launch pad at North Korea's Sohae satellite launch centre suggest it will be the location for upcoming satellite launches.

Paek Chang Ho, vice director of Scientific Research and Development at National Aeronautics Development Agency (NADA), said in an Associated Press interview in late May that a new "earth observation satellite" was under development. He did not say which space launch vehicle (SLV) would be used, when the launch would occur, or from where it would be launched.

Nonetheless, North Korea's modus operandi of linking major technological developments to important dates for the nation has led to speculation that it could be launched in October to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the Korean Workers' Party.

Sohae (also known as Tongchang-ri) is on North Korea's West Sea/Yellow Sea coast and is one of two space launch facilities in the country; the other is Tonghae (also known as Musudan-ri), which is on the East Sea/Sea of Japan coast.

Satellite imagery of the Tonghae facility taken on 6 June 2015 shows no significant activity at the site. Construction of a large new launch pad, assembly building, and the supporting roads has stopped and the Unha-2 pad that was last used in 2009 appears to be mothballed.

The lack of activity at Tonghae - and a number of other factors - reinforces assertions that Sohae has become the main hub for North Korea's space and long-range missile programme. Analysts have suggested that Pyongyang has prioritised the Sohae site to minimise the diplomatic fallout of rocket debris landing in Japanese territory, which was possible with launches from Tonghae.

There have been two launches from Sohae since its public debut in 2012, although neither has been fully successful. An Unha-3 launch in April 2012 suffered a catastrophic failure in the first stage, while in December 2012 an Unha-3 rocket was successfully launched but failed to put its payload - a small satellite - into the correct orbit.

Despite these failures, Sohae is already undergoing a second stage of evolution. Its first incarnation (from 2001 to present) was as a test range developed to launch satellites using the Unha rocket and to perform rocket engine testing. Since 2013, North Korea has made a number of changes to the Sohae site to allow it to operate more efficiently and to launch a wider range of rockets that could relate to the mock-up of a new, larger SLV that was first seen at the Sanum Dong research and development facility, outside Pyongyang, in April 2012.

Imagery of Sohae taken on 3 June 2015 shows that this major construction project is almost complete. If the pad is cleared in August, the assembly and check-out timelines for the two Unha-3 launches in 2012 suggest that a launch could take place in October.

The construction programme at Sohae includes:

1. Raising the height of the gantry tower on the launch pad in 2014 to launch taller rockets while retaining the Unha launch capability.

2. Building a railway line to the Unha launch pad in 2014 to transport a large first stage to the pad for assembly and check-out. The terminus was completed in May 2015 and has a 4 m by 20 m opening into the rail tunnel that will allow the rocket to be lifted onto a moveable trailer on the launch pad.

3. Building a three-storey horizontal assembly building on the east end of the launch pad. The high bay section of the building is 30 m long by 20 m wide and has a single storey section facing the gantry tower. The high bay section has a 10 m long by 5 m high opening in the side that faces the railway tracks.

4. Building a 30 m long by 20 m wide three-storey first stage mover at the gantry tower end of the launch pad. So far three sides of the structure have been completed but when finished it will have a fourth side and probably some type of roof. It is mounted on a platform that moves on rails that run from the gantry tower to the opening in the rail tunnel and the new horizontal assembly building. The mover has a folding section of the floor that allows access to the tunnel opening.

Although the upgrade work will allow the Sohae launch pad to launch larger rockets, it is probable that the pad will still retain the capability to launch Unha-series SLVs. North Korea has previously announced that there will be six more Unha launches up to Unha-9.

Other upgrade work at Sohae appears intended to obscure activities on the ground. For example, work to cover the rail spur will complicate external observation and may make estimates of future SLV launches, of all sizes, more difficult.

"North Korea is working hard to test the rocket engine," the source said, "in addition to a construction project to extend a launch tower at a facility.

There was intelligence that Kim Jong Un as National Defense Commission First Chairman ordered the launch of an artificial satellite, so we believe the launch will take place before October."

North Korea is also moving rocket components produced at space factories near Nampo to the Tongchang-ri facility in Cheolsan Gun of North Pyongan Province, for assembly. More frequent movements of trucks near the Tongchang-ri launch site were detected recently, another government source said.

"It appears that the SLV stages and payload can be prepared horizontally in a new launch support building at the end of the pad, then transferred to a movable support structure that is several stories high, where they will be erected vertically, checked out and finally moved to the launch tower," the report said.

Imagery of the facility's engine test stand also showed that preparations were underway, as of July 21, for "an engine test in the near-term," including the presence of a movable crane and probable ground support equipment, the report said.

When asked about the possibility of North Korea conducting a launch around October, the country's deputy chief of mission to the United Nations, Amb. Jang Il Hun, said he does not "rule out any possibility of doing one of these things,"

"I'm sure we'll have a grand celebration," Jang Il Hun, the North Korean ambassador to the United Nations, told reporters on Tuesday in response to a question about a possible launch that would mark the Oct. 10 anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea.

Satellite imagery expert Tim Brown also notes in the institute's analysis that North Korea recently completed a 240-meter long (787-feet long) shelter to conceal a rail line intended for transporting equipment to the launch pad.

He said it would prevent observation by satellite of rocket-related rail cars and shipping containers.

The director of the National Aerospace Development Administration (NADA) of the DPRK was interviewed by KCNA Monday as regards the achievements made by its scientists and technicians in the field of outer space development on the occasion of the 70th founding anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK). He said:

The NADA is pushing forward at a final phase the development of a new earth observation satellite for weather forecast, etc. positively conducive to the development of the nation's economy and made big progress in the research into the geostationary satellite, a new higher stage in the development of satellite.

Successful progress made in reconstructing and expanding satellite launching grounds for higher-level satellite lift-off has laid a firm foundation for dynamically pushing ahead with the nation's development of space science.

Space development has become a worldwide trend and many countries are manufacturing and launching satellites for various purposes including communication, global positioning, crop estimate, meteorological observation and resource prospecting.

The world will clearly see a series of satellites soaring into the sky at the times and locations determined by Korea.

CNN had been given an exclusive interview with the senior officials who run it, though the front door is as close as we're permitted to get.

Two senior directors of the National Aeronautical Development Association (NADA) tell us a launch is "imminent" and final preparations are underway to send rockets and "multiple satellites" into space.

Some international observers have speculated the satellite control center is actually a military facility, but its appearance, at least on the surface, suggests otherwise.

We're greeted by two of the program's top scientists dressed in smart, newly designed uniforms, a row of brass buttons down the front of their jackets, and a smart military cap.

Hyon Gwang Il is the director of scientific development at NADA, and Kim Gun Song is in charge of the Satellite Control Center.

We scientists here are working ... to develop in the shortest possible time, multi-functional, highly reliable Earth observation satellites.

Airbus Defence and Space imagery taken on 17 and 21 September show that the launch pad has been cleared of all construction materials, potentially for a Unha-3 launch to coincide with the 10 October celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Korean Worker's Party.

Between 27 August and 6 September a new large stage transporter was moved to the far end of the launch pad, 135 m from the gantry tower.

A freight train has begun moving in the direction of North Korea's Sohae Satellite Launching Station in Tongchang-ri, North Pyongan province.

The train, headed for North Korea's rocket launch pad was first spotted on Thursday, an unidentified source told Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun. Yonhap reported the contents of the freight train were unknown, but it was unlikely given the timing of transportation and the assembly required, a rocket launch could take place prior to Oct. 10, the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party.

The confirmed train movement is the latest sign of activity since early September, when North Korea said that it plans to launch satellites. Since the announcement, the station where the rocket would be placed has shown little to no sign of activity.

The Asahi reported that while freight train movement was confirmed, the activity could be a decoy.

North Korea may be readying to fire a rocket from its northwestern launch site, a Japanese government source said Wednesday, citing satellite imagery analyses conducted over the past several days and cautioning that the launch could occur in about a week at the earliest.

Pyongyang may be preparing for no less than a space launch, US officials told the media, citing recently obtained satellite imagery of a site around the Sohae Satellite Launching Station and it may come sooner than later....Recent movement of components and propellant could indicate that North Korea is considering a rocket launch in the near future, unnamed US officials told Reuters...."The indications are that they are preparing for some kind of launch Could be for a satellite or a space vehicle there are a lot of guesses," the official said. "North Korea does this periodically they move things back and forth... There's nothing to indicate it is ballistic-missile related."

http://image.newsis....1363563_web.jpghttp://www.newsis.co...10101&pID=10100▲ Scene from the Kwangmyongsong-4 launch night preparation.According to reports, Kim Jong Un's first assistant paid visit to the launch site the 23rd, 26th and 28th of last month, and meticulously prepared the launch.On the 29th of last month, the field commander sent a report to Kim Jong Un's first secretary confirming the 'trustworthiness of the rocket'.The final check before launching Kwangmyongsong LV (Unha-4) on the launch pad seems to have been completed between 31 January and 1 February 2016.

Commentary

Iran's space agency already announced it would launch its own version of the Unha called Safir-2 or Simorgh on the same day, on February 3rd. Coincidence? I think not! :lol:

North Korea has begun informing international organizations of its intention to launch an earth observation satellite sometime between February 8 and 25.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London said it had received notice of the launch and would be issuing an advisory to its members. Such notifications are commonplace for space launches or missile tests and serve as warnings to ships and aircraft to stay away from areas through which the rocket will fly or fall.

The launch notification named the satellite as "Kwangmyongsong," (광명성) which is the same name given to previous satellites that were built by the country.

The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) said it had also received a notification. The letter, which came through the DPRK's mission to the United Nations in New York, indicated the satellite would have a lifetime of 4 years.

The launch notification sent on Tuesday by the DPRK to the International Maritime Organization warns of three areas that shipping should stay away from when the country conducts its planned satellite launch.

The launch is due to take place from Sohae satellite launch site sometime between February 8 and 25 between 7am and noon Pyongyang time. The three zones are the areas where the rocket's first stage, fairing and second stage will drop back to sea.

The first stage is the lower part of the rocket and provides the power for the first minute or so of its flight. Once the fuel is used up, this detaches and falls back to earth. At that point the second stage engines fire up to take the satellite closer to space.

The fairing is the protective cover that sits around the satellite during the first part of its journey. Once the rocket gets high enough, the fairing is no longer needed and that too is jettisoned. Finally, the second stage engine cuts out and the rest of the rocket falls back to earth.

If all has gone according to plan, the satellite has been delivered to the right spot and continues its journey in orbit.

Here are the three areas on a map with Sohae launch site indicated at the top of the picture.

The zones are close but not identical to those used in launches in 2012.

The first stage is expected to land in the sea off the west coast of South Korea. That gives the South Korean Navy the chance to recover the rocket and see what they can learn about improvements in North Korean rocket technology.

The fairing will fall in a larger area off the south west coast of South Korea, closer to Jeju Island. This drop zone might be larger because the fairing is less aerodynamic and so its fall is more difficult to predict.

And finally, the second stage rocket is expected to land in waters to the east of the Philippines. This is similar to a previous North Korean satellite launch and will disrupt air travel in the region.

A SK government source here said the likeliest date is former North Korean leader Kim Jong Il's birthday on Feb. 16....The North announced the launch plan the very day when chief Chinese nuclear negotiator Wu Dawei was visiting Pyongyang.

DPRK National Aerospace Development Administration Releases Report on Satellite Launch

Scientists and technicians of the DPRK National Aerospace Development Administration succeeded in putting the newly developed earth observation satellite Kwangmyongsong-4 into its orbit according to the 2016 plan of the 5-year program for national aerospace development.

Carrier rocket Kwangmyongsong blasted off from the Sohae Space Center in Cholsan County, North Phyongan Province at 09:00 on February 7, Juche 105(2016). The satellite entered its preset orbit at 09:09:46, 9 minutes and 46 seconds after the lift-off.

The satellite is going round the polar orbit at 494.6 km perigee altitude and 500 km apogee altitude at the angle of inclination of 97.4 degrees. Its cycle is 94 minutes and 24 seconds.

Installed in Kwangmyongsong-4 are measuring apparatuses and telecommunications apparatuses needed for observing the earth.

Even though the satellite is called an Earth Observation Satellite, it is in fact a multipurpose satellite, according to western press.The Korean missile launch control station receives radio signal from radars on board Kwangmyongsong-3 and Kwangmyongsong-4, respectively, and sends them to in flight missiles. The missiles receive the radio signal and updates its flight direction from time to time. The satellite navigation system is in operation. This satellite navigation system is linked to the satellite navigation system installed on the Korean intercontinental ballistic missile, medium range ballistic missile, and submarine launch ballistic missile. It is only natural that the ballistic missiles equipped with such satellite navigation devices have precision strike capabilities.

First, according to the CNN report, Korea is said to have tested an important part of a submarine-launched ballistic missile at Sinpo Shipyard in South Hamgyong Province.Commercial satellite photographs on July 20, 2017 of the ground injection test center at Shinpo Shipyard has shown no signs since August 2016.

If so, testing an important part of a submarine-launched ballistic missile would translate into testing the above-mentioned satellite navigation system.

Gravity field information of the American continent must be collected as it plays a critical role in any future ballistic re-entry of nuclear warhead, and because it is kept for this same reason as a state secret by all nations.Whithout gravity field data, it is not possible to hit targets. During WWII, the Nazi Germans failed in their attempt to strike London with their newly developed Aggregat SRBM, because they were unable to obtain gravity field data of London.

To compensate for the gravitational perturbation of the Sun and the Moon, and such as increased speed over the Himalayas and slower speed over the ocean's abysses, the General Satellite Control Center in Pyongyang corrects the Kwangmyongsong-4 satellite's attitude with its thruster.

February 2, 2016

According to a report of December 5, 2015, a star map was made by Korean's space scientists, necessary for a stable flight along a polar orbit in outer space

In addition, North Korean scientists and engineers have created a corrective device for the optical sensor,

The smaller the eccentricity of the orbit, the higher the performance of the launcher, as demontrated by the 85 km altitude difference from an ideal circular orbit for Kwangmyongsong-3#2 and only 6 km for Kwangmyongsong-4.

Since the size of the Kwangmyongsong-4's launcher has not changed, compared to the Unha-3-2, it means that the engines have improved.Professor Sawaoka Akira noted that the first stage's burne time was 3 minutes shorter, because it burned the same volume of fuel faster than 3 years earlier.Meaning that the thrust of the rocket engine might have been stronger.

Satellite's mass

South Koreans estimated the Kwangmyongsong-4 mass between 250 ~ 300kg and the launch vehicle's payload capability at 1,000kg

Satellite's optical ground resolution

Kwangmyongsong-4's resolution is 50cm

Why was the LV named Kwangmyongsong and not Unha-4?

On an earlier photo, the Unha-4 LV presents a white first stage.

In Korea, "Kwangmyongsong" symbolises Kim Jong Il. According to a commentary in the Korean history document, Kim Jong Un, the first chairman of the National Defense Commission, instructed to write "Kwangmyongsong" on the rocket with the specific red font.The three letters "Kwangmyongsong" mean the successful completion of Kim Jong Il's space development project.

Therefore the LV is still an Unha. But the performance of this launcher has improved compared to the previous Unha-3-2.

The equivalent to the western's unlucky number '13'. The number '4' is probably Asia's most unluckiest number as the Chinese world of that number is very similar to the word "death" [as they both pronounce "si"]. Hence it is tradition to avoid planning big events on the 4th day of the month or sometimes buildings have no 4th floors.

Red ink

A long time ago the names of the deceased were written in red on registers, gravestones and plaques to ward off evil spirits,

Notice the very unusual red font used to paint the three letters "Kwangmyongsong", seen for the first time on any North Korean launcher or poster.Western origin is obvious: Old English Gothic font, close to England 1400's Old English Font 36 and England 1900's Old English Font 44 (http://www.callifont...ry/england.html).

New "gothic" font again seen on July 11, 2017, on the occasion of the "Banquet Given in Presence of Kim Jong Un to Celebrate the first Successful Test-launch of the Hwasong-14 ICBM", used to write "Intercontinental ballistic missile test firing success" (대륙간탄도로케트 험발사성공을) and "Rocket superpower" (로케트 맹주국) on the celebration great hall.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had difficulty adjusting to life at the international school in Switzerland where he was enrolled for two years in the 1990s.

Citing anonymous sources, the paper said Kim was absent for 75 days in his first year at the school in Bern, and for 105 days of the second year. One source, who said he was a classmate of Kim's, said the leader-in-waiting often came to school in the afternoon only and got poor grades.

Sources said Kim, who used the pseudonym Pak Un, got 3.5 points out of six in natural sciences, and barely passed math, social studies and German. Kim was initially placed in an advanced class but was moved down and only got the minimum grade needed to pass. But he got five points out of six in music and technical studies.

The South Korean military said it had identified the debris from the rocket "Kwangmyongsong-ho"

after searching the waters 105 to 137 kilometers west of Eocheong, and identified the wreckage at a depth of 85 meters on February 10.

It was a cylindrical oxidizer tank, with a length of more than 2m identified using a side scan sonar and an underwater unmanned surveyor Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)

The outside is white, with two Korean letters and seven Arabic numerals in blue. It is similar to 'ㅅㄱ1030303' written on the outside of the fairing collected on the day of launch of 'Kwangmyongsong-ho'.

North Korea had blown up the first stage propellant tank into 270 pieces, but the debris is quite bulky,

North Korea's new satellite Kwangmyŏngsŏng-4 (KMS-4) is starting to make visible evening passes for NW Europe. Yesterday evening was very clear. Anticipating a faint object, I used the 2.8/180 mm Zeiss Sonnar lens on my Canon EOS 60D to image it. That lens captures faint objects but has the disadvantage of a small FOV (5x7 degrees).KMS-4 showed up on two of the images, one of which I show here in two versions: color positive, and black-and-white negative (the faint trail stands out a bit better in the latter version).For as far as I can tell over the short imaging arc (~6 seconds) there was no brightness variation. So the satellite is stable, or if it is tumbling it must be a very slow tumble.I also imaged the UNHA-4 upper stage of the launch. The upper stage is brighter and is tumbling (they often do). As a result it is flashing with a nice periodicity of 2.39 seconds (see composite image, and also the diagram).

Mar. 1, Juche 105 (2016) Tuesday

Russian Space Center Confirms Kwangmyongsong-4's Proper Operation

The National Space Monitoring Center under the air and space forces of the Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that the DPRK's earth observation satellite Kwangmyongsong-4 is now normally operating.Andrei Kallyuta, chief of the center, said this in a program of Ruskaya Sluzhuba Novostei Broadcasting Service on Feb. 22.He added that he could draw a conclusion that Kwangmyongsong-4 is a remote controlled earth observation satellite on the basis of the information about its orbit such as the analysis of revolution period, angle of inclination at which it was put into its orbit and altitude and in other words it is capable of performing its observation function and its devices are working.

The DPRK presented the UN with a document for registering a satellite as a signatory to the "Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space" as it successfully launched its earth observation satellite Kwangmyongsong-4 on Feb. 7, Juche 105 (2016).

Recently the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs worked out UN official document ST/SG/SER.E/768, the one related to the register of Kwangmyongsong-4, and posted it separately on websites.

The register of the DPRK's satellite conducted after going through legal procedures according to relevant international laws has thus been rounded off.

The DPRK's earth observation satellite Kwangmyongsong-4 launched according to the 2016 plan of the 5-year plan for national aerospace development is now going round the earth along its orbit.

Information furnished in conformity with the Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space

Note verbale dated 25 April 2016 from the Permanent Mission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to the United Nations (Vienna) addressed to the Secretary-General

The Permanent Mission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to the United Nations (Vienna) has the honour to transmit, in accordance with article IV of the Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space (General Assembly resolution 3235 (XXIX), annex), information concerning the satellite Kwangmyongsong-4, which was launched by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on 7 February 2016 (see annex).

AnnexRegistration data on a space object launched by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea*

http://kenshi.air-ni...2/07/470mhz.pnghttp://kenshi.air-ni.../post-0d98.html▲ Frequency used by Kwangmyongsong-4 was not disclosed in the notice to ITU.Assuming it also uses the 470 MHz frequency as with the previous Kwangmyongsong satellites, signal spectrum of 468MHz, as received near 470MHz from Japan on February 6, 2016, indicates that the frequency in this area is also used by other artificial satellites, so we may not be able to conclude that it is Kwangmyongsong-4 because there is a Doppler shift.

2016/02/15

The wireless communication equipment aboard Kwangmyongsong-4 sends out the wireless signal only for a short time window when in range with ground stations over North Korea.A third party who does not know the frequency of the radio signal that the satellite is transmitting will not be able to intercept the radio signal originating from that satellite at any particular time.

Hyon Kwang Il, director of the scientific research department of North Korea's National Aerospace Development Administration,... said that as of July 27, KMS-4 had completed 2,513 orbits, and that within one day after its launch it transmitted 700 photographic images back to Earth. He said it is still working properly and sending data whenever it passes over North Korea, which is four times a day.

Kwangmyongsong-3 and Kwangmyongsong-4 are largely used as reconnaissance satellites.

The Earth observing satellite of North Korea passes through the East Sea four times a day, passing through the East Sea once in about 3 hours, because it alternates between Kwangmyongsong-3 and Kwangmyongsong-4.

Surveilling the Korea Operational Zone and the Japanese Oki Islands (隱岐岛), it monitors the appearance of the US aircraft carrier group.

Part of the planned future integrated Command and Control system (C4ISR) of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army, which will combine a 1,300 km detection Over-the-horizon radar, a global satellite reconnaissance system, the [Panghyon-5: 방현-5, AntiReflection-5] stealth unmanned strategic reconnaissance system, and the Hwasong-XX ASBM high-precision ballistic missile complex.

Video Published on Jul 8, 2017 from the national exhibition of children's science fictions and models-2017: https://www.youtube....h?v=0bOBJifozQw▲ At T=0m43s and T=2m41s: unknown satellite with unfoldable solar panels.

Planned future satellites

The Use of Satellite Imagery in Oil Reserve Exploration

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)

"RADARSAT (SAR) really detects changes in the surface tension caused by oil only a few microns thick and RADARSAT can detect as little as one-half to one liter of oil escaping per day."

Gravitational

Another type of satellite is using gravitational forces to create a map that can be used to locate oil reserves. These forces can be used as a useful tool because oil is often surrounded by materials such as limestone and clay which are light and have less gravitational force than surrounding materials.

Mar 24,2015

"We estimate there are 60 billion to 90 billion barrels of crude oil reserves in North Korea," said a North Korean economic official at the time.

If those arguments turn out to be true, North Korea has the eighth-largest crude oil reserves in the world, next to the United Arab Emirates.

The North Koreans are currently planning to launch a solar-powered geostationary satellite into orbit at 35,800 km above the earth's equator. When all preparations are completed for the next launch, depending on the situation - provided diplomatic relations are established between Pyongyang and Washington - the North Koreans may consider inviting an American team of space satellite and rocket experts to observe their launch station and an actual blastoff as a part of the sales promotion blitz. American TV and mass media may be allowed to broadcast the scene live.

Space development is a very promising future industry. If North Korea succeeds in the development of its geostationary satellite, it means that it would be able to launch GEO communication satellite and it can build its own GPS system.

To specify a location, we need to receive signals from at least four satellites. However, in some urban or mountainous areas, positioning signals from four satellites are often hampered by skyscrapers or mountains, and that has often caused significant errors.

The quasi-zenith satellites consist of a multiple number of satellites that fly in the orbit passing through the near zenith over North Korea.

Thus accuracy of one meter to the centimeter level can be achieved compared to the conventional GPS error of tens of meters.

In order to have at least one quasi-zenith satellite always flying near North Korea's zenith, at least three satellites are necessary.

To improve multipath errors (caused by reflection off buildings and other objects) and satellite constellation errors, it is necessary to increase the number of satellites used for positioning.

It is said that eight or more visible satellites are ideal for carrying out stable, highly precise positioning.

Signal delays caused by the ionosphere are the most common type of positioning error. The ionosphere is a region of the upper atmosphere from 100 to 1,000 kilometers that is charged with electricity. When satellite signals from satellites pass through the ionosphere, their speed decreases. Because the arrival of the satellite signals is delayed, an error results when the distance between the satellite and user is calculated as longer than it actually is.To resolve ionospheric errors, it is necessary to perform positioning that combines multiple frequencies (L1 with L2 or L5).Dual-frequency receivers are very expensive, so it is expected that single-frequency receivers will also be used widely for the immediate future.The Klobuchar model parameter, which transmits standard L1C/A positioning signals, is a way to achieve ionospheric correction for single-frequency receivers.

For satellite positioning, accuracy improves when satellites are distributed evenly in a wide range in the high-altitude sky. The degree to which the satellites are arranged in the sky in a balanced manner is called Dilution of Precision (DOP). For horizontal positions, it is known that DOP improves when satellites with low elevation angles are included.

The scientists of Kim Il Sung University have succeeded in developing a quantum code communications technology, which makes it possible to open up a bright prospect for blocking various kinds of hacking and wiretapping from their sources by taking hold of its core technologies.The Korean-style development of the quantum code communications device in the limelight of the world has made a breakthrough in the work for turning the above-said technology to practical use on a high level.

Part of the planned future integrated Command and Control system (C4ISR) of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army, which will combine a 1,300 km detection Over-the-horizon radar, a global satellite reconnaissance system, the [Panghyon-5: 방현-5, AntiReflection-5] stealth unmanned strategic reconnaissance system, and the Hwasong-XX ASBM high-precision ballistic missile complex.

During the tactical process of ASBM attack/defense the support of space-based satellite information is highly required for target reconnaissance, missile early-warning, global communications, precision guidance, battle damage assessment and the digitalized construction of the battlefield...When compared to long-range, precise missile attacks on land targets, ASBM assaults on long-range sea [targets] are very different...For example, when attacking land [targets] long-range cruise missiles use terrain contour matching, using the geographical references such as mountains or rivers to aid guidance; but ASBMs have few or no references when flying over water, and cannot use this method...Thus, an ASBM requires military satellite support at every stage of the attack process.

...

In discussing the role that ELINT satellites would play in [North Korea]'s ASBM program, this study goes on to emphasize the importance of C4ISR sensor fusion:During the process of planning [to use] the fire power of an ASBM, [there is a need] for obtaining reliable target intelligence information for guiding the missile attack. This could be achieved by integrating EO [Electro-Optical] imaging satellites, SAR imaging satellites, electronic reconnaissance satellites, naval ocean surveillance system satellites, mapping resource satellites, and highly accurate commercial remote sensing satellite imagery, which could be purchased on the international market. Through the integration of the data obtained via a number of different satellites, and with the addition of processing and data fusion, [one could] guarantee missile guidance requirements for all types of target information for a long-range ASBM strike.

Series of articles celebrating two decades of achievements in space activities published since March 24, 2017, in Korean and hinting at an upcoming major space launch, to mark the August 31, 1998 Kwangmyongsong-1 anniversary.April 25 is Military Foundation Day, thus a space launch might be attempted on April 24.

It is therefore strongly advised to proceed with a space launch attempt on the lucky date of 23 APR 2017!Otherwise, one should wait for the next lucky windows: on 13 MAY 2017, 22 MAY 2017 and 31 MAY 2017.

Master S☫heil

DPRK's Space Development Will Make Progress as Scheduled

Apr. 5, Juche 106 (2017) Wednesday

The world will soon witness what eventful successes the DPRK will achieve in the space development.

"North Korea is working hard to test the rocket engine," the source said,

"I am not at liberty to discuss the timing and number of attempts, but North Korea conducted at least two engine combustion tests during the first half of this year," the official said."Taking into account the scope of the tests, the new rocket will be larger than Unha-3"

The South Korean intelligence authorities said the rocket engine tests took place at an arms research institute in Sanum-dong of Ryongsong District in northern Pyongyang and the Tongchang-ri Space Launch Facility near the Chinese border.

An engine combustion test takes place on the ground to confirm the operation of a booster for a rocket, and the International Institute for Strategic Studies had earlier said North Korea conducted four engine combustion tests last year.

South Korean authorities suspect North Korea is preparing a launch of a rocket upgraded from the Unha-3.

After its successful launch of the Unha-3, the state media said the country would continue to bolster its capability by building more rockets under the slogan, "Go for Unha-9 at one burst!" Photos of a model of the Unha-9 were featured in North Korea's state-run newspaper.

A geostationary satellite launch is already announced for next year, with a new launcher powered by four(?) 80-tons thrust engines.Orbit Slots and Frequency resource as regulatory procedures as per ITU requirements are still to be fulfilled though.

Therefore, introducing this new rocket this year targeting a lower orbit between 700-1000 km SSO/LEO and a modest 1000 kg satellite would constitute a more conservative and incremental start.Otherwise, to maximize the success probability and not tarnish the festivities like in 2012, the simple launch of an old Unha-3 workhorse could be a safer strategy, but at the cost of lesser prestige.

However, the past 5 years have demonstrated that the North Korean supreme leadership is always willing to take the maximum risk in order to reap the maximum rewards.In addition, the space race between the two Koreas is forcing NADA, according to its Second Space Development Five-Year Plan starting in 2017, to send a heavy launcher, a geostationary satellite, a Lunar orbiter and an astronaut into space, all within 5 years!

Delays in the South Korean space launcher's development and political instabilities are only temporary.Indeed, KARI's pilot launch vehicle was originally scheduled for 2017, the KSLV-2 LV for 2019, the lunar orbiter and rover for 2020, the lunar return sample for 2025, and the 10 tons manned spacecraft for 2030.

7:37 PM - 29 Mar 2017

Video of Kari's 75-tons engine test

From now on the engine can move! This is a video of a test firing of the 75-tons class engine No. 3 conducted at Naro Space Center yesterday.From the engine No. 3, the thrust vector control system verification test is conducted to control the flight direction of the rocket by moving the engine itself to the north, south, east and west.

The manned spaceflight is not dictated by KARI's agenda but certainly considered a top priority for Iran's INSA.

Plan to launch in 2016 an E1 manned spaceship thus making Iran the only fourth world power to develop manned spaceflight capability, only failed due to the Rouhani's administration low priority space policy.

India as the other most serious contender for the fourth place, also postponed its extravagant space ambitions with the new Modi administration.

But as ex-Iranian President Dr Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, known as the father of Iran's manned space program, submitted his name on Wednesday 12 April 2017 for registration as a candidate in Iran's upcoming May 19, 2017 presidential election, the manned space race for the most coveted fourth place is now restarted between Iran and North Korea!

The Ministry of State Security of the DPRK released the following statement Friday:

A terrorists' group, which the CIA and the IS infiltrated into the DPRK on the basis of covert and meticulous preparations to commit state-sponsored terrorism against the supreme leadership of the DPRK by use of bio-chemical substance, has been recently detected.

They hatched a plot of letting Kim commit bomb terrorism targeting the supreme leadership during events at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun and at military parade and public procession after his return home.

They told him that assassination by use of biochemical substances including radioactive substance and nano poisonous substance is the best method that does not require access to the target, their lethal results will appear after six or twelve months, bio-chemical substance can be added in cooperation with the CIA if one single correct information is obtained,

on April 13, 17 and 20 this year they let Kim know that they officially confirmed the types of bio-chemical substance and hardware to be used for committing terrorist act against the supreme leadership

South Korean news had previously reported that the USS Michigan, a submarine that moves special forces like US Navy SEALs, had joined the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier strike group off of North Korea's coast after a secret mission.

Chinese intelligence reported that SEAL Team 6 was training alongside South Korea's version of the SEALs for killing North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un.

Signals intelligence recieved by Russian Far Eastern command, seemed to indicate a patrol had been inserted on a ground recon mission inside North Korean territory and that a chance encounter with a dog patrol had led to casualties among the American forces who broke radio silence to ask for help.

Kim Chol released a commentary on Wednesday, urging Chinese newspapers to refrain from making reckless remarks undermining the DPRK-China relations.

Their call for not only slapping stricter sanctions but also not ruling out a military intervention if the DPRK refuses to abandon its nuclear program is no more than an extremely ego-driven theory based on big-power chauvinism that not only the strategic interests but also the dignity and vital rights of the DPRK should be sacrificed for the interests of China.

China should no longer try to test the limits of the DPRK's patience but make proper strategic option, facing up to the situation.

China had better ponder over the grave consequences to be entailed by its reckless act of chopping down the pillar of the DPRK-China relations. -0-

Sadly today we have been informed that the 2017 Pyongyang Beer Festival has been cancelled.

The 2nd Taedonggang Beer Festival was due to take place throughout the month of August and following from the huge success of last year's festival would have been one of the highlights of the year.

As well as the opportunity to try some of the DPRK brews, the main reason for attending this festival for tourists is the excellent mingling and interaction opportunities with the hundreds of local people who attend every evening.

The reason for the cancellation is unclear and we don't expect full information to be forthcoming

The fest was supposed to be held from Victory Day (July 27th) until the end of August at an excursion ship and the wharf along the Taedong River running through Pyongyang.

"The second bigger gift package: North Korea will carry out a test launch that will determine North Korea's [submarine-launched ballistic missile] ultra-precision strike capability in the next two weeks."

July 28, 2017 -- Hyundai Asan applied for permission to visit North Korea to the Unification Ministry here on July 19. Two days later, it called and e-mailed the Beijing office of the North Korean committee to say it wants to hold the memorial service at Mt. Kumgang on Aug. 4.North Korea on Thursday declined a request from its old South Korean business partner Hyundai Group to visit and commemorate the late company chairman Chung Mong Hun. http://english.chosu...7072801394.html

Pyongyang, July 28 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK, will soon visit Iran to attend the Iranian presidential inauguration at the invitation of the Iranian government. -0-Inauguration ceremony of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in Tehran on Aug. 5. http://www.china.org...nt_41306853.htm

Dates in 2017 with high probability for a space launch attempt

U.S. National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day 2017: Thursday, July 27, 2017

U.S. Purple Heart Day 2017: Monday, August 7, 2017

U.S. National Aviation Day 2017: Saturday, August 19, 2017

U.S. National POW/MIA Recognition Day 2017: Friday, September 15, 2017

U.S. Constitution Day and Citizenship Day 2017: Sunday, September 17, 2017; Monday, September 18, 2017 Observed date

U.S. Columbus Day 2017: Monday, October 9, 2017

U.S. Navy Birthday 2017: Friday, October 13, 2017

U.S. Veterans Day 2017: Friday, November 10, 2017 - Saturday, November 11, 2017